Here are the stories on Texas Standard for Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022:
Texas school ratings show improvement compared to 2019, but those in poorer neighborhoods still lag
Texas school ratings look different this year, the Texas Tribune reports. “Instead of the usual A-F ratings, which were last given in 2019, the [Texas Education Agency] gave only A-C ratings. Districts and schools that would have received a D or F instead received a ‘Not Rated’ label this year.” Tribune education reporter Brian Lopez brings us the story.
Monkeypox joins the list of issues facing Texas schools
All this week we’re looking at issues facing Texas schools as they head into a new school year, and Texas Public Radio’s Bonnie Petrie has more on how schools are dealing with the threat of COVID during a third school year, plus the emerging threat of monkeypox.
Sutherland Springs pastor retires
The pastor of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, site of a mass shooting almost five years ago, has announced his retirement. Texas Public Radio’s Marian Navarro has more:
Politicians, not parents, behind push to ban books from schools
In news reports and viral videos, school board members have been confronted by parents opposed to books and curriculum dealing with race and LGBTQ issues. But according to a new Houston Chronicle analysis, it’s politicians – not parents – behind the push to ban certain books from school. Chronicle education reporter Hannah Dellinger brings us more.
New film follows Dallas university students as they found 1st Muslim fraternity in the US
Students at UT-Dallas made headlines in 2013 when they formed the first Muslim college fraternity in America. KERA’s Jerome Weeks reports on a new documentary that tells the story.
‘Secret City’ documents the impact of homophobia on people and policy in Washington, D.C.
For much of U.S. history, homosexuality has been taboo. Even the accusation of being gay could jeopardize your career and reputation – and as historian James Kirchick notes, even mark you as a national security threat. His new book “Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington” documents how homophobia influenced presidencies and politics during the 20th century. He’ll join us today.
Millions of dollars have been raised, but Uvalde survivors are still struggling
Donors raised $14 million after the massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, and Gov. Greg Abbott set aside $6.5 million for mental health resources. But despite those funds, many Uvalde residents are struggling financially. State Sen. Roland Gutierrez’s district includes Uvalde and he’s made supporting the community in the aftermath one of his key issues. He joins us today.
All this, plus the Texas Newsroom’s state roundup and Wells Dunbar with the Talk of Texas.
